Audio – Not just a U.S. problem

The problems at U.S. automakers have many obvious effects on the national, state and local economies in the United States, but those effects are felt in Canada as well and they have left one long-time industry observer fearful.

Buzz Hargrove, former president of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union, expressed some of those concerns on Wednesday at the Reuters Autos Summit.

His main concern was Chrysler, but he also had some concerns about GM and Ford as well.

Hargrove, who just recently turned over the reins to the new head of the CAW, Ken Lewenza, said he was very wary of the state of the U.S. automakers and thinks US government help is critical for their survival.

Hargrove — always a colorful interview — has not become any duller, and has not decided he would have no opinions in his retirement.

He was one of the featured guests at this year’s Detroit summit, which runs into Thursday. Up next for Reuters Summits — Reuters Restructuring Summit on Sept. 22-26 in New York and London.